Philip Carteret

Sir Philip Carteret, FRS (Fellow of the Royal Society), was born in 1641 and died on 26 May 1672. He was a member of the Carteret family from Jersey, and his career included notable appointments at the court.

He was the eldest son of Sir George Carteret and his wife Elizabeth de Carteret, who was also his cousin. His family background was prominent within the Channel Islands, particularly on the island of Jersey.

Philip Carteret was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society on 15 February 1665, reflecting his involvement in the intellectual and scientific community of the period.

In 1665, he married Lady Jemima Montagu in an arranged marriage. Jemima was the daughter of Edward Montagu, 1st Earl of Sandwich, and Jemima Crewe. The marriage took place on 31 July 1665. Samuel Pepys, a notable diarist and contemporary observer, recorded details of the marriage, indicating his personal involvement in the arrangements. Pepys also noted that Jemima had known of Philip only approximately two weeks prior to the marriage, and he inquired whether she could like him as a husband; Jemima replied affirmatively. Pepys also mentioned that Jemima did not arrive punctually for the wedding ceremony.

Lady Jemima and Philip Carteret's marriage is presumed to have been reasonably harmonious, based on available accounts. Jemima died in childbirth in 1671, leaving him with four children. Among his children was George Carteret, who became the 1st Baron Carteret.

Philip Carteret was knighted in 1667 and was appointed as a Gentleman of the King's Chamber in 1670, positions reflecting his service at the royal court.

His death occurred during the Battle of Solebay in 1672, a naval engagement involving the Dutch and the English fleet. He was aboard the ship Prince Royal, which was grappled by a Dutch fireship. The incident resulted in the death of Philip Carteret and his father-in-law, Edward Montagu, the Earl of Sandwich, when the ship was attacked during this battle.